Tolerance should not be up for a vote

In your May 23 letter, “Is Tolerance one Way?” you make an argument that being against a constitutional amendment that states marriage here is between one man and one woman shows a lack of tolerance. You also point out that this amendment passed by over 60 percent and that 31 other states have voted for a similar status. Tolerance, by definition, is not decided by a majority vote. Tolerance is the practice of permitting a thing of which one disapproves, such as social, ethnic, sexual or religious practices. Allowing someone to marry the opposite sex, or same sex, when you disagree/disapprove is an act of tolerance. Passing an amendment to stop same sex marriage is not. I would never oppose you marrying another consenting adult.

You state that “It is obvious that liberals and the far left, including the mainstream media, have no tolerance for any person, institution or voter whose positions include that marriage is between one man and one women.” No one is asking you to marry someone of the same sex nor stopping you from marrying someone of the opposite sex. No one is against your personal belief. I am against you forcing your beliefs on others. …

The rest of the world sees us all as Americans and does not see much difference between Democrats and Republicans. We are much more alike than we are different. You have probably heard the saying “Your right to swing your fist ends at my nose.” I do not think either of us is harmed by same-sex marriages. Let’s repeal Amendment One … and find some common ground.

— Tom Gallo
Asheville